They will be provided with a furnished room, all meals and health care at state expense.

It is the brainchild of two politicians: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is known as a champion of underdogs, and Ms Sashi Panja, a former gynaecologist- turned-lawmaker for the Trinamool Congress Party.

The first old-age home for retired prostitutes is housed in a two-storey government building near Charu Market - a nondescript locality not too far away from the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, the playground of the rich and powerful.

The modest home will open next month after the state Cabinet's approval - a formality.

"Everything is in place; we are ready for the launch," Ms Panja told The Straits Times.